Explore metro Atlanta this weekend: Pumpkin festival, fairs and more

This pumpkin tower turns into a glow-in-the-dark attraction at night.
Courtesy of Stone Mountain Park

Weekends in metro Atlanta never disappoint. Whether you’re looking to keep it low-key with local markets or go big with concerts and festivals, something is happening everywhere. Here are 10 of the best events to check out this weekend.

Pumpkin Festival

Families can enjoy classic attractions, pumpkin-themed displays, festive photo ops and live entertainment at Stone Mountain Park.

Location: Stone Mountain - 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd; Date: Open now through November 2; Admission: $36.99 and up; Time: Times vary, see website; Website: stonemountainpark.com

Summer Sounds at Centennial Olympic Park

Celebrate the end of the Summer Sounds series with live music, food trucks and sunset views at Centennial Olympic Park. Grab a friend, bring a blanket and relax under the stars.

Location: Downtown Atlanta - 265 Park Ave W NW; Date: September 18; Admission: Free; Time: 5-8 p.m.; Website: gwcca.org

Conspiracy Theory Trivia

Test your conspiracy theory knowledge at Schoolhouse Brewing during Thursday night trivia. From unexplained mysteries to aliens, this is the place to be if you’re looking for a good laugh and some craft beer.

Location: Marietta - 840 Franklin Ct; Date: September 18; Admission: Free; Time: 7-9 p.m.; Website: schoolhousebeer.com

North Georgia State Fair

The North Georgia State Fair is returning to Jim R. Miller Park, and if you haven’t been yet, you need to add this to your weekend to-do list. Enjoy classic fair food, live music, exciting shows and plenty of family-friendly fun.

Location: Marietta - 2245 Callaway Rd SW; Date: September 18-28; Admission: $11 and up; Time: Times vary, see website; Website: northgeorgiastatefair.com

Shaky Knees Music Festival

This three-day music festival features a diverse lineup of artists such as My Chemical Romance, Blink-182, Deftones, Vampire Weekend, Lenny Kravitz, Cage The Elephant, Alabama Shakes and more at Piedmont Park.

Location: Midtown Atlanta - 1322 Monroe Drive; Date: September 19-21; Admission: $165; Time: 4-11 p.m. (Fri); 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Sat); 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Sun); Website: shakykneesfestival.com

Chamblee’s 4th Annual Chalk Walk and Artist Market

Chamblee City Hall is turning into a massive outdoor gallery featuring live artists who will transform the streets into colorful works of art. This family-friendly event will also have a market where attendees can shop for handmade goods.

Location: Chamblee - 3518 Broad St; Date: September 20; Admission: Free; Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: chambleega.com

Fall Fest 2025

The festival brings together live music, local artists, family-friendly crafts and plenty of seasonal things to do.

Location: Buckhead - 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW; Date: September 20; Admission: $24 and up; Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: atlantahistorycenter.com

Forestry Day

Forestry Day at Fernbank Museum is a chance to step into the world of Georgia’s forests and discover why they’re so vital to our everyday lives. This event offers hands-on activities, interactive exhibits and live demonstrations.

Location: Druid Hills - 767 Clifton Rd NE; Date: September 20; Admission: $23.95 and up for non-members, Free for members; Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Website: fernbankmuseum.org

JapanFest

Are you ready for one of the most immersive cultural experiences at Gas South Convention Center? This annual celebration of Japanese culture will have everything from traditional music and dance to Japanese cuisine, anime and pop culture.

Location: Duluth - 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy; Date: September 20-21; Admission: $22; Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sat); 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sun); Website: japanfest.org

Peachtree Corners Festival

Stroll through rows of arts and crafts vendors, grab a bite from food trucks and enjoy live music the whole family can enjoy at the Town Green.

Location: Peachtree Corners - 5140 Town Center Blvd; Date: September 20-21; Admission: Free; Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sat); Noon to 5 p.m. (Sun); Website: peachtreecornersfestival.com

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